Can cardio prevent aging?

In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE and conducted by researchers at Humboldt State and the University of Colorado-Boulder, scientists examined how running effected seniors (over 65) when compared to walking. By following a regimen of running about 30 minutes 3 times a week, subjects were more efficient in how they walked.

According to Justus Ortega, professor of kinesiology at Humboldt State, “What we found is that older adults who regularly participate in high aerobic activities—running in particular—have what we call a lower metabolic cost of walking than older, sedentary adults. In fact, their metabolic cost of walking is similar to young adults in their 20s.”

That’s right; cardio exercise resulted in people over 65 being able to move around as easily, energy-wise, as people fresh out of college. Metabolic cost is simply how much energy it takes for your body to do a given task. As we age, our bodies naturally become less efficient, meaning the metabolic cost of things goes up.